Sun, 3 Jul 2022
Challenging Group – Lonscale. A small group of hardy walkers set off from Keswick hoping the heavy downpours were not going to continue all day. The rain accompanied them to Gale Road and through waist high bracken across the bottom of Lonscale to Whit Beck. Mercifully the beck itself was relatively dry but there was no respite from the rain all the way to Lonscale’s summit. Things began to improve over Burnt Horse and the clouds lifted as the group took the east Glenderaterra track to the Blencathra Centre and onwards via Derwentfolds and the lower Latrigg path back to Keswick by which time waterproofs were no longer needed.
Sun, 10 Jul 2022
Moderate Group – Bowscale Fell Via The Tarn. The Group set off in glorious sunshine from Mungrisdale. The first part of the walk was along the minor road to Bowscale followed by a gradual ascent up to Bowscale Tarn. Next a steeper climb up onto the summit of Bowscale where lunch was taken. The continued good weather gave great views in all directions. A gradual descent then took the Group back down to the valley bottom and an easy return to the starting point in Mungrisdale.
Wed, 13 Jul 2022
Challenging Group – Hopegill from Lanthwaite. The Group met at Lanthwaite Green car park for a 7 mile, 5 hour circular walk up Whin Benn, Whiteside and onto Hopegill Head with the return via Liza Beck. Typical summer weather on the way up with mist and persistent rain, then as the Group approached Hopegill Head it cleared. Consequently the views returned and the walk down the beck was delightful with the river run in full sunshine.
Moderate Group – Grey Crag and Tarn Crag (Longsleddale). Setting off from the sunny Sadgill in Longsleddale, the Group tackled the climb up the steep, bracken-clad, slope of Great Howe with gusto. The gradient then eased, and they soon reached the summit of Grey Crag beyond, where their eye was drawn to the striking cairn on Harrop Pike in the Shap Fells. Unable to resist its lure, they made a beeline for it before crossing the extensive, and usually wet, depression defending Tarn Crag, adorned with an impressive survey post. From the summit, they descended, first, into Mosedale and then, Longsleddale, flanked by formidable crags soaring into the sky.
Easy Group – Dalton’s Cave and Johnny Wood. The Group travelled by bus to the Lodore Hotel. Starting at the Chinese Bridge they then walked via Manesty, Peace How and Hollows Farm to the river Derwent at Gowder Dub. After following the river for a short while an excursion was then made to look around Millican Dalton’s cave in High How Wood. Returning to the riverside path it was followed to New Bridge from where field paths were taken to reach the foot of Johnny Wood and then a steep path was taken into the wood itself. After traversing the ancient woodland the group then reached the open fell before descending to Seatoller for the return bus.
Sun, 17 Jul 2022
Challenging Group – Pillar. A sunny day was forecast when the Group began their walk from Honister. After climbing a stone stepped path they headed towards Loft Beck, occasionally glancing at Buttermere then Ennerdale along the way. It was becoming warmer as they descended the path adjacent to the Beck, greeting several Coast to Coasters carrying heavy backpacks as they passed. Having crossed the River Liza the Group started upwards on Black Sail Pass before turning up to the summit of Pillar. A welcome breeze provided the perfect lunch stop overlooking Ennerdale Water. A steady return via Moses’ Trod was made back to Honister making it a 10 mile hike.
Sun, 24 Jul 2022
Moderate Group – Blake Fell. On a windy day a small group of walkers set off from Waterend at Loweswater. A sequence of field paths and quiet lanes took them to a bridleway, which they followed southwards before turning onto a small footpath climbing steeply up the flank of Burnbank Fell. Once out of the sheltered valley they were assailed by the full force of the wind but pressed on to the undistinguished summit of Burnbank Fell and then the more imposing summit of Blake Fell. The Group headed back towards Loweswater and descended through beautiful Holme Wood, pausing to admire a delightful little waterfall on Holme Beck, before reaching the lakeshore and the end of the walk.
Wed, 27 Jul 2022
Challenging Group – An Introduction to the Howgills – 12 miles and 2500 ft of ascent. Ten of us set off from the bridge over the River Rawthey on the outskirts of Sedbergh and followed the footpath along the river in a North easterly direction. The path is part of the Pennine Journey long distance way which follows the route taken by Wainwright in 1938 subsequently written up in his book “A Pennine Journey”. After 4 miles we reached “Cautley Home Beck” and began our ascent into the hills on the steep path alongside Cautley Spout Waterfalls. This along with the mile long Cautley Crag is the most spectacular and rugged part of the Howgills. Above the Waterfall we followed the valley of Force Gill Beck to the col between the Calf and Calders. Turning right here it’s a short climb to the summit of the Calf at 2220 feet. From the top the view is spectacular taking in the Lakeland fells, the Northern Pennines, the Limestone peaks of the Yorkshire Dales and even southern Scotland. After lunch at the top, we descended back into Sedbergh via the tops of Calders, Arrant Haw and Winder. The walk back to the cars through Sedbergh was enlivened by a stop at the Ice Cream Shop!
Moderate Group – Wansfell. The Group walked from Ambleside through Skelghyll Wood and paused above Jenkins Crag to take advantage of the birdseye view of Windermere and the fells beyond. The walk continued along narrow lanes on the way to Troutbeck and included rescuing a sheep and lamb from a wire fence. The village provided a wealth of unspoilt Lakeland architecture which was admired by all. After tackling the ascent of Wansfell Pike the Group paused to name the fells in the 360 degree vista which were dressed in dappled sunshine and cloud shadows. The Group then descended into Ambleside.
Easy Group – Newlands Valley. The Easy Group started from the Quarry below Rigg Beck in the Newlands valley to make their way to the dam below Littledale. Taking the path above Chapel Bridge to Low Snab where Goldscope mine was discussed. Coffee was taken round the corner of Scope End and then to the north-west side of Goldscope where various old mine entrances were seen. After lunch at the dam the Group returned to the start via Low High Snab and Gillbrow Farm having enjoyed the sunshine, each others company and the extensive views.
Sun, 31 Jul 2022
Challenging Group – A Coledale Round. The Group started walking from Braithwaite village on a warm bright morning although they were glad of the occasional patch of low cloud as they made a steady ascent up Grisedale Pike. An eagerly awaited rest on the summit was soon abandoned as the midge moved in. A breeze accompanied the Group down to Coledale Hause before following a steep path up Eel Crag to Crag Hill. Moving on to Sail, across Scar Crags and over Causey Pike the sun came out highlighting the purple heather over Rowling End.
Moderate Group – High Cup Nick. The Group met at Dufton and took a short walk through Dufton Ghyll Wood alongside the stream and passing the red sandstone cliffs. After a short road stretch to the village, the Pennine Way was followed towards High Cup Nick with Dufton Pike and Murton Pike on either side. The Pennine Way follows the north side of High Cup Ghyll with dramatic views of the valley, the Whin Sill and the impressive single pinnacle known as Nichol Chair. The latter being named after a local cobbler who was said to have climbed the pinnacle and repaired a pair of shoes on the top. The return walk followed the same route with now splendid views of the Lakeland Fells.
Wed, 10 Aug 2022
Challenging Group – Rosthwaite to Keswick via High Spy. On a very hot morning the Group took the bus to Rosthwaite, crossed the River Derwent and followed the rocky path alongside Tongue Gill, through the old mine workings at Rigghead Quarries and on to their high point of High Spy. Onwards then to Maiden Moor, where despite a welcoming breeze the midges were out in force, and over Cat Bells before heading down the grassy bank to Skelgill. Minor roads were followed to Swinside and Ullock before crossing the fields to Portinscale and past Crosthwaite Church onto the old railway line and back to Keswick. In total 17km was covered with 750m of ascent.
Moderate Group – Silver How. Starting from White Moss, the Moderate Group proceeded towards Loughrigg Terrace which afforded fabulous views of Grasmere Lake and the surrounding fells. After reaching Red Bank, the Group continued their climb along the beautiful ridge leading all the way to Silver How, the day’s key objective. With every step, the majestic Langdale Pikes, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags drew ever closer, distracting them from the now oppressive heat. On the summit, however, several sweltering walkers could take the sun no more and decided to descend to Grasmere, while the rest continued along the undulating Blea Rigg ridge, returning to Grasmere via Far Easedale.
Easy Group – Great Langdale to Grasmere. On a hot and sunny summer’s day the whole Group travelled by bus to Great Langdale. Starting at the New Hotel a byway was initially taken before following the Cumbria Way path alongside Great Langdale Beck to Chapel Stile and on to Elterwater. From the village common the ridge was ascended under Huntingstile Crag, a short but steep climb, and demanding on such a hot day. From the top of the climb Grasmere, the final destination, was glimpsed and the route there via Redbank and Huntingstile Woods was in very welcome shade.
Sun, 14 Aug 2022
Challenging Group – Fairfield, Hart Crag and the Priest’s Hole. On an extremely hot day the challenging walk was to Fairfield. After the long approach up Deepdale and the steep climb to Deepdale Hause, the summit of Fairfield was reached via Cofa Pike. A welcome breeze accompanied the Group to Hart Crag and then down to the Priest’s Hole nestling under Dove Crag. A non-pathed route then wound round the upper reaches of Dovedale to regain the Hartsop above Howe ridge for the return to Deepdale Bridge descending into the heat and losing the breeze. Many litres of water were consumed during the many drinking stops but the Group coped well with the conditions and had a glorious day.
Moderate Group – Black Crags and Angle Tarn. On a hot day four Club members met at Cow Bridge near Hartsop. The route took the Group along the valley beneath Fall Crag, Dubhow Crag and Rake Crag, before ascending to Boredale Hause. At Angle Tarn the Group were tempted to join the people enjoying the cool water. An easy path later took the Group across to the summit of Brock Crags with a very welcome cooler breeze was enjoyed. The last stretch of the walk took the Group down to Hartsop village and the return to Cow Bridge.
Wed, 24 Aug 2022
Moderate Group – Bleaberry Fell. Eight Group members started their walk in drizzle at Great Wood and walked to Castle Rigg and Walla Crag before climbing Bleaberry Fell. On the way, the Group agreed to be interviewed by several Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award hikers. By now the rain had stopped and the weather gradually improved for the rest of the walk. The boggy path to High Seat was taken where the glorious panorama was discussed while having lunch. A path, boggy at first and then quite steep, led to Ashness Bridge before the overgrown terrace path return to Great Wood. A walk of approx 8 miles (13km) and 2200ft (670 m) of ascent.
Easy Group – Around Easedale. The Group travelled to Grasmere to explore the lovely valley of Easedale. The day started with a walk through Butharlyp Howe and after a short stretch along Easedale Road the beck side path was followed. At the foot of the waterfalls a little-known path was taken under Ecton Crag, alas quite an unpleasant struggle through dense, tall and wet bracken. The walk then continued down to Stythwaite Steps to meet Far Easedale Ghyll, which was then followed. A short diversion was made to view the interesting grounds of Lancrigg Hotel before the Easedale Road was taken back towards Grasmere where another diversion was made to visit the splendid house and grounds of Allan Bank.
Sun, 28 Aug 2022
Challenging Group – Red Pike. The Challenging Group started with Bowness Knott via Rake Beck and then to Great Bourne, Starling Dodd, Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag before going down to Ennerdale from Scarth Gap. A good walk of approx 21km (13 miles) with 1050m (3400 ft) of ascent.
Easy Group Group – Around Threlkeld. The Group walked from Threlkeld Bridge along the old railway track towards the station and quarry. The remains on the track caused a lot of discussion about its probable usage. On reaching Newsham Road a member led the Group a short way up the road to a bench overlooking a marvellous view of Blencathra. It was explained that it was dedicated to a good friend called Jackie Jackson who had organised many walks and encouraged others to walk in the Countryside. Crossing the A66 to the village the route then followed Kilnhow Beck before reaching a path traversing the foothills to the Blencathra Centre. Descending to Derwent Folds and on to cross Glenderaterra Beck the Group headed towards the disused railway path and returned following this busier section of the track.
Wed, 31 Aug 2022
Challenging Group – High Street via Rough Crag Haweswater. The Group left Mardale Head car park and wound its way steeply up the nose of Rough Crag giving good views north into Riggindale and south to Blea Water. High Street trig pillar was finally reached with Thornthwaite Beacon being the next objective. On the way a large aerial was passed, it being used by a keen radio amateur using morse code to communicate with various parts of the world. From the Beacon, the route continued towards Mardale Ill Bell and down to Nan Bield shelter. The Group ascended once more, this time to Harter Fell. The cloud broke up as the descent was made to Haweswater which was remarkably dry at the southern end.
Wed, 7 Sept 2022
Challenging Group – High Raise Martindale. Starting from St Peter’s Church in Martindale, the Group climbed steeply over Birkie Knott and on to Steel Knotts (Pikeawassa). An undulating path skirted Brownthwaite Crag and Gowk Hill and crossed Fusedale Beck followed by a steep climb up to the High Street ridge where the Group headed south to High Raise. At Rampsgill Head the first other walkers of the day were seen but there were plenty more on the Coast-to-Coast path to Angle Tarn. A traverse along the side of Beda Fell on a narrow path down Bannerdale to the farm at Dale Head was followed by a 2km walk along the road back to the start. A walk of 18km (11 miles) and 850m (2,800) of climbing.
Moderate Group – Melbreak. Setting off from Lanthwaite car park, at the foot of Scale Hill, country lanes and footpaths were followed by the Group to the western foot of Mellbreak. Scrambling and slithering up the steep loose scree to the summit and admiring the magnificent views on the way. The descent at the other end was almost as exciting finding the way over Scale Knott to the shore of Crummock Water. A delightful rest in warm sunshine on Low Ling Crag was followed by a leisurely return walk along the shore and the river at the head of the Water where eels were spotted.
Easy Group – Around Loughrigg. A good size group of walkers left the bus stop near Rydal Church taking the road to Under Loughrigg and then the path that rises alongside Fox Gill to access the flank of Loughrigg Fell. Reaching the top, the Group walked along one of the main paths descending towards Loughrigg Tarn where it was met by two inquisitive swans. A climb up the road to the summit of Red Bank was followed by the terrace path above Grasmere. The shore of Rydal Water was reached, and the walk continued through the wood on the south shore of the lake and eventually crossing the footbridge to complete the circuit.
Sat, 10 Sept 2022
Easy Group – Gowbarrow The Easy Way. The Group used the bus from Keswick to Ullswater. This allowed an elevated start to the ascent of Gowbarrow and to make the walk less strenuous. After leaving the bus at Matterdale Church, the Group looked around this ancient country church and then followed the road to Ulcat Row. From there the fell-foot path was followed to Millses and the start of the steep ascent to the summit. After a pause at the top to admire the great panorama and take a celebratory photo, the long gradual descent was made via Yew Crag with marvelous views of Ullswater all the way. The walk ended at the Aira Force Visitor Centre where the National Trust tearoom was much appreciated.
Sun, 11 Sept 2022
Challenging Group – Not Thornthwaite Beacon. Fine weather accompanied the Group as they left Church Bridge, Troutbeck to climb the four miles to reach Yoke. The tops were in swirling mist as they continued to Ill Bell and over Froswick catching sight of Windermere and Kentmere. Dropping out of the mist the Group followed the path which would eventually lead to Thornthwaite Beacon but avoided it by turning left onto a good path to Troutbeck Park and continued over The Tongue. A pleasant stroll followed along Longmire Track and through Limefitt back to the start.
Moderate Group – Harrop Tarn and Watendlath. Leaving the bus at the southern tip of Thirlmere, the Group took the minor road running along its western shore before undertaking a steep ascent up the bracken-clad scarp of Birk Crag. There then followed a descent to the tranquil and picturesque Harrop Tarn, nestling at the foot of Tarn Crags. Continuing with a steady climb up the expansive slope of the Central Ridge and then crossing it to descend to Blea Tarn and then onto Watendlath along a rather wet path. After well-deserved refreshments at the friendly hamlet, the Group made the crossing to Rosthwaite just in time for the return bus.
Wed, 21 Sept 2022
Challenging Group – Mosedale Horseshoe. The Group met at Wasdale Head and set off for Black Sail Pass to walk the Mosedale Horseshoe over Pillar and Red Pike. On reaching Black Sail Pass a decision was made to turn back to Kirk Fell and take a lower route back to Wasdale because of the inclement weather. However, a slight improvement encouraged the group to climb Kirk Fell. At Beck Head the conditions were alright to continue so it was decided to climb Great Gable. After visiting the summit, the Group made its way down to Styhead and Lingmell Beck before returning to Wasdale. It was not the planned route but it was still a challenging walk of 13km (8 Miles) with over 1000m (3,300 feet) of ascent.
Moderate Group – Orton Scar (North of Tebay). Just Northeast of Tebay lays Orton Scar one of the largest areas of limestone pavement in the country. The pavements were formed at the bottom of a tropical lagoon some 350 million years ago. The Group set off from the chocolate factory in Orton Village and climbed to the monument commemorating Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee on Beacon Hill. From there the route went right through the heart of the Limestone Scar to join the Dales Highway at Masiongill Farm. The footpath was followed back to the top of the escarpment which afforded good views of the North Pennines, the Howgills and the Eastern Lake District fells. Progressing, the route continued along the edge of the escarpment to the highest point of the walk, the trig point on the summit of Knott (412m), and then the descent back to Orton.
Easy Group – Ling Fell. The Group met at Brumston Bridge on a lovely autumn day for a walk up Ling Fell. After a short stretch on the road, the Group took the old corpse road along the north of the fell. It was then a climb up the grassy path to the summit which gave great views of the Northern fells. After a descent towards Wythop Moss the path followed Tom Rudd Beck to Highside Farm. After a short distance on the lane to Beck House farm, a field path was taken back to the starting point.
Sun, 25 Sept 2022
Challenging Group – Pike of Blisco and The Crinkles. From Dungeon Ghyll the Group made steady progress towards the Pike of Blisco soon reaching the scrambly rocks approaching the top. The temperature was dropping so the Group paused to change into suitable clothing whilst being entertained by a shepherd and his dogs skillfully maneuvering his sheep. At Blisco summit, moody patches of mist formed below, and low cloud obscured the tops of Crinkle Crags. As the breeze strengthened and the conditions deteriorated it was decided to begin the descent a little earlier than planned from the crossing paths near Red Tarn leading safely to the Inn below. A walk of 8km (5 miles) and ascent of 607m (2,000 feet).
Moderate Group – Glencoyne. The Group set off from High Cascades car park for Glencoyne Head. Crossing the road and taking the path down to Aira Beck, following this downstream to the Force and on down towards the car park but turning right before reaching the bottom to pick up the Ullswater Way path. The Group continued walking to the far side of Glencoyne Bay, where the track passes Seldom Seen Cottages, and then up the long and steady climb to Glencoyne Head. Staying on this old miners’ path and then traversing the head of the valley where there are magnificent views of the U shaped hanging valley and Ullswater beyond.
Sun, 9 Oct 2022
Challenging Group – Helm Crag (via Helmside) and Tarn Crag. The steep ascent from Townhead, near Grasmere, soon reduced to a gentle zig-zag through the bracken that breaches the ridge to the west of Helm Crag. A short retrace of steps from the summit was followed by the undulating and now very gusty path of Gibson Knott and Calf Crag before reaching the tarn at Brownrigg Moss. A mist obscured the required path to Tarn Crag did not reveal itself, but a slight diversion ensured the Group were back on route and enjoying very good views east over Grasmere and across to Lake Windermere. The Group descended the nose of the Crag on a clear grassy path to join the Far Easedale path and back to Grasmere via Lancrigg, Underhelm and Helmside.
Easy Group – Elterwater to Little Langdale. A small group braved an early start and left the village of Elterwater, climbing up the stony bridleway that leads into Little Langdale. After visiting Slater’s Bridge and admiring Cathedral Cave, tracks and roads were followed along the delightful valley to High Park. The Cumbria Way took the Group towards Colwith Bridge followed by a series of stiles and steep steps up to Skelwith Bridge. After viewing the force, the flat tourist path was taken back to Elterwater and eventually the village just before the threatened rain arrived.
Wed, 12 Oct 2022
Easy Group – Threlkeld to Keswick via Blease Fell. Arriving at Threlkeld by bus and then a coffee at the village hall, the Group took the minor road to Wesco and Derwent Fold. Continuing down through the wood, over the bridge and up to the top of Brundholme Road and then up to Gale Road. A pleasant walk down Latrigg followed and then back to Keswick via the park. A very enjoyable walk of about 6.5 miles.
Wed, 19 Oct 2022
Moderate Group – Fellside to Calebreck. On a blustery morning, the Group left Fellside and followed a bridleway steadily ascending across the extensive lower slopes of High Pike and Low Pike pockmarked with disused quarries. Battling the ferocious wind, the Group welcomed the gradual descent to Calebreck, where the going got easier. After reaching Wood Hall the route followed along a quiet road and then over fields leading to the hamlet of Hudscales, where a local accommodation owner generously allowed the Group to use his fabulous picnic facilities. The now refreshed Group then made for Nether Row before joining the Cumbria Way for the return to Fellside.
Easy Group – Crummock from Scale Hill Car Park. The Group set off from Lanthwaite Wood car park, crossed the river via the road bridge and then picked up a path following Park Beck to Low Park visiting a rock with distinctive markings, thought to be of pre-historic origin, on the way. The route continued through Flass Wood and then on an elevated path above Crummock Water as far as Low Ling Crag. The return walk was along the shore of the lake and then through Lanthwaite Wood where Group members stopped to read the poems written by the locals about the woods.
Sun, 23 Oct 2022
Moderate Group – Arthur’s Pike and Bonscale. In defiance of an ugly weather forecast, the Group started below Heughscar Hill. By the time the Bronze Age Cockpit on Moor Divock was reached the leaden sky gave a foretaste of what was to come. Indeed, no sooner had the waterproofs been donned than it started raining, the precipitation and wind intensifying as the Group climbed Arthur’s Pike. On the summit, most had had enough and turned back. A few Wainwright-baggers, however, decided to make a dash for the neighbouring, though now barely discernible, Bonscale Pike, attained at an impressive speed. They then darted back along the same path soaked to the skin.
Sun, 30 Oct 2022
Easy Group – Castlerigg Stone Circle and Castlehead Woods. The Group set off from the Moot Hall in Keswick to Derwentwater and followed the shoreline roadway before going through Cockshot Wood and up through Castlehead Woods. The ascent to the viewpoint was declined by all in view of the darkening skies. The Group walked along to Springs Road and up the stony pathway following the course of Brockle Beck before crossing fields and the A591 onto Castle Lane and then up to Castlerigg Stone Circle. The return to Keswick, in very heavy rain, was down the country lane to the A591 and then the old railway line path to the Leisure Centre.
Sun, 6 Nov 2022
Moderate Group – Lord’s Seat. This ended up being a combined Challenging and Moderate Group walk. The continuing bad weather led to the originally planned routes being cancelled. It was decided to walk up the 1800 ft Lords Seat from Thornthwaite through Whinlatter Forest. The reasoning being the forest roads and tracks were liable to be less boggy underfoot and the trees would offer some shelter from the wind. Initially ascending Combe Beck, which was magnificently in full spate, the party arrived onto the open fell to be met with driving rain and gale force winds. A quick dash to summit of Lord’s Seat was followed by an equally quick descent back into the shelter of the trees. The return was then made via the Gruffalo and the visitor centre at Whinlatter, then down the road and a descent back to Thornthwaite.
Wed, 9 Nov 2022
Challenging Group – Stybarrow. Starting from Glencoyne car park the Group walked through the farm, up the side of the valley to Nick Head and then climbed steeply to White Stones and onto Stybarrow Dodd. From the Dodd the route continued to Hart Crag and Birkett Fell. Following the wall on a very wet and muddy path, the Group dropped down to the footpath into the Glencoyne valley and then down further to Glencoyne Beck. Unfortunately, the Beck was in full spate and the Group decided not to get their feet even wetter than they were and, aiming for a gate, tramped with great difficulty through thick bracken over thick moss-covered stones to the fields below and eventually the car park.
Moderate Group – Maiden Moor. The original walk had been planned for the Borrowdale Valley but this had to be rearranged given the rain and flooding in that area over previous days. The new walk took advantage of the good weather and, starting from Keswick, took in a circuit of Latrigg, including the summit, then on to Threlkeld village and up to the Blencathra Centre. Returning through Brundholme woods, the Group enjoyed the lovely autumn hues.
Wed, 16 Nov 2022
Challenging Group – Blencathra Round. From the start at Mungrisdale, the Group soon slipped into climbing mood to gain the ridge above Raven Crags just north of the village. This was followed by a steady walk up and along to the summit of Bowscale Fell then along the path to Bannerdale Crags with impressive views out over the vast basin below. From the Craggs, the route dropped down to the col before climbing steeply into the low cloud above Foules Crag. The views from Blencathra summit were not good to say the least, but it was pleasantly atmospheric! Heading down Scales Fell the autumnal landscape slowly reappeared together with the path along Souther Fell, the final ridge of the day.
Moderate Group – Lowther Loop. On a cloudy morning a large Group left Lowther Castle to walk the Lowther Loop which is part of the Ullswater Way. Walking firstly down to the River Lowther and then following the river upstream before arriving at Helton. After walking through the village, the route took the quiet road on to Askham Fell and then along the moorland track with a detour to the top of Heughscar Hill for a view over Ullswater. Lunch was taken with the company of a group of inquisitive fell ponies. It was then a simple walk down to Askham, through the village and back up a steep hill through the woods and the return to the Castle.
Easy Group – Borrowdale Yews and River Derwent. After a ride on the valley bus to Seatoller the Group walked the minor road and the riverside path with a diversion to view the famous and fabulous contorted forms of the Borrowdale Yews, alas reduced to 3 since Wordsworth’s days. The walk continued through Seathwaite farm and along the delightful fell foot path to Thorneythwaite farm. After crossing the main road at Mountain View another riverside path was taken via a short but exhilarating rocky scramble at Longthwaite and then on to New Bridge where the farm track was joined to Rosthwaite and a return to Keswick by bus.
Sun, 20 Nov 2022
Challenging Group – Red Screes. The Group set off from Under Loughrigg, Ambleside, hoping the weather would hold. Surprisingly, visibility was good as they steadily climbed to Low Sweden Bridge, Low Pike and High Pike. The good weather encouraged the Group to add Little Hart Crag to the route from High Bakestones to Scandale Pass before following the wall up to Red Screes. However, the arrival of dark threatening clouds accompanied by rain and sleet caused them to add waterproofs and make a quick descent to Ambleside.
Moderate Group – Sheffield Pike. The Group met at Glencoyne NT carpark and started the day with a pleasant walk beside Ullswater to Glenridding. Taking the path on the South side of Greenside Beck, they climbed to Greenside mine and onward up the steep zig zags and slushy terrain to Nick Head and then up to the summit of Sheffield Pike. Sleet turning to rain set in very soon for the descent via Glencoyne and Seldom Seen, resulting in some difficulties keeping upright on the, by now, very greasy grassy paths.
Easy Group – Loweswater Terrace. Leaving the cars at Fangs Brow, a grassy footpath was followed below Burnbank Fell providing dramatic views of the central fells ahead. Through Holme Wood (a mixed woodland) the path then dropped to cross the bridge over High Nook Beck with the Group continuing through the farmyard and down to Maggies Bridge. The return walk followed the lakeshore, and, despite the rain, the autumn colours were amazing.
Wed, 30 Nov 2022
Challenging Group – Grasmoor. The Group headed into the fog from Cinderdale Common up to Lad Hows where they emerged from the dense mist to view a spectacular inversion with associated brocken spectres (a large shadow of an observer cast onto the cloud). Continuing up the ridge in the sunshine to Grasmoor summit and then across to Wandope, to Thirdgill Head Man, Whiteside and down through Rannerdale to the starting point. A walk of 7+ miles and 2900 feet of climbing.
Moderate Group – Sallows and Sour Howes. On a murky morning, the Group followed Garburn Road towards Garburn Pass before ascending the marshy slope to the summit of Sallows. Enveloped in thick fog, the Group crossed to the top of Sour Howes, the leader’s chest swelling with pride after some superb navigational skills. Alas, pride comes before a fall, and the second summit, being dotted with indistinguishable hummocks and criss-crossed with confusing paths, was only achieved with the use of some technological wizardry. This saved them going round in circles and saved they were, returning to Troutbeck safe and sound, with only the leader’s ego suffering a bruising.
Sun, 4 Dec 2022
Moderate Group – Calf Crag. Starting from the A591 near Grasmere, the Group set off northwards with the dramatic Helm Crag on their left, taking quickly to the lanes leading to the Green Burn valley. A steady climb through delightful terrain, that was new to most of the Group, they reached the Helm Crag – Calf Crag ridge before a further short climb to the Calf Crag summit. A short descent brought them to the head of Far Easedale which was the start of the long descent back to Grasmere. A day of showers that fortunately were short-lived and did nothing to dampen the spirits.
Easy Group – The Cockpit and Ullswater Shore. A large group of members assembled in Pooley Bridge on a cloudy and cold morning. Starting off up the Road to Roe Head, they headed towards the Cockpit, an ancient Stone Circle whose origins and former glories were described by one of the members. Following the Ullswater Way, the Group descended to the edge of Auterstone Wood. After wading through Sharrow Mire and crossing a couple of fields the road was gained. A short walk along this led to a path along Ullswater shore, which was taken to return to the starting point.
Wed, 14 Dec 2022
Challenging Group – Applethwaite. On a bright but bitterly cold morning the Group set off along the railway track coming up onto Penrith Rd before crossing Forge Bridge and following the low path skirting Latrigg to Spooney Green Lane. Heading across the fields via Orthwaite to Applethwaite the Group took the wooded path alongside Applethwaite Ghyll. Crossing the ghyll and up onto the open fields they appreciated the splendid winter panorama before heading back down into Applethwaite. The return was via Thrushwood, the old railway track and the Howrahs to Keswick.
Moderate Group – Applethwaite. On a beautiful winters day, the Group met at Spooney Green Lane before crossing the fields to Applethwaite village and from there up Applethwaite Ghyll. Crossing the stream by a narrow plank bridge they made their way up the hillside to an amazing viewpoint. Despite the cold, there was no wind and the sun shone brightly and the scenery was a wonderful panorama of lake and mountains with Derwentwater appearing to be frozen over. The Group then descended via the Zig Zags to Thrush wood where the deep frost covering the ground and plants had created a winter wonderland. The walk continued on past Keswick School and then back into town via the Howrahs.
Easy Group – Brundholme Woods. The Group met at Spooney Green Lane on a gloriously bright and crisp but bitterly cold day. After a short climb a terrace track was taken through Whinny Brow woodlands before dropping down to the disused section of Brundholme Road, which was followed for a mile. The return to Keswick started with a sharp turn onto a track through Brundholme Wood to reach Brundholme Road again, which this time was followed past Windebrow Stables and the Calvert Trust centre. The old carriage drive, a permissive path, was then joined and followed to another brief section of road. The centre of Keswick was then reached via Upper Fitz Park.